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Contepomi happy with development

Felipe Contepomi believes Argentina’s win against Australia this past weekend has put them in good stead for their end of year tour.

Felipe Contepomi believes Argentina’s win against Australia this past weekend has put them in good stead for their end of year tour.

The Pumas celebrated the first ever Rugby Championship win after 18 attempts following a superb 21-17 comeback win in Mendoza.

The landmark victory bounced the Wallabies out of the top three in the IRB world rankings, while Argentina moved up two places to tenth position.

“More than watching the progress in the rankings, I think we need to see the development of the team and they have been playing some good rugby,” the 27-year-old told Sky Sports.

“It’s a really good style of rugby and if they can get some results with this type of rugby that will develop the team.

“In the past our rugby was mostly forwards-orientated and that was it, now it is more dynamic and I think this can bring a lot of happiness for Argentina; not only in watching the game but also in bringing the results.”

The next challenge for coach Daniel Hourcade’s men is a trip up north for their end of year tour. The Pumas face Scotland, Italy and France as they look to finish their year on a high.

“For me, this is the big challenge,” added Contepomi, who retired from international rugby last year.

“Apart from winning this game against Australia, the biggest challenge is to go and prove what you have done through the Championship in northern hemisphere in November.

“It’s great to be quite even against South Africa and lose by one or two points, but it would be worthless if you go and lose against Italy. I think they need to go now and impose their rugby style in the northern hemisphere, for me they have a great chance of having a great tour. They have grown throughout the Championship and I’m sure that win will give them a lot of confidence.”